Pastor Stephen Dedman

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬

Living a life devoted to God can sometimes feel challenging. The pressures of the world, the weight of responsibilities, and moments of discouragement can make us lose focus or motivation for the work of the Lord. This verse in Galatians reminds us of the eternal rewards for those who persevere.

God sees every act of kindness, hears every prayer offered, and honors every moment spent serving Him. Even when it feels like no one notices, or when the results seem small, God is at work behind the scenes, multiplying your efforts. He promises a harvest in due season for those who don’t give up.

Take heart today! Be encouraged to continue in prayer, worship, service, and love. Seek God’s presence for strength and guidance, and remember that your labor is not in vain. The Lord Himself is your reward, and He will sustain you as you walk in His will.

Pray

Lord, thank You for calling me to live for You. When I feel weary or discouraged, renew my strength and passion for Your work. Help me to see the fruit of what You’re doing in my life and through me for others. Fill my heart with joy and encouragement to continue pursuing the things that matter to You. I trust in Your promise of a harvest in Your perfect time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭3‬

As we set new goals for the new year, the excitement of possibility fills our hearts. Whether it’s to grow spiritually, improve our health, build relationships, or achieve a life-long dream, we often begin with high hopes. However, real and lasting success comes when we align our goals with God’s will and trust Him to guide us every step of the way.

God is not just interested in the “big picture” of our lives—He cares about every detail. When we bring our plans to Him in prayer, He not only provides clarity but also gives us the strength and wisdom to pursue them.

Setting goals is good, but surrendering them to God is even better. This act of trust acknowledges that His plans are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that He can accomplish more through us than we could ever imagine. It also brings peace, knowing that our success is not based solely on our own efforts but on His faithfulness.

As you work toward your goals this year, stay connected to God through prayer and His Word. Let Him refine your desires so that they reflect His purposes for your life. And when challenges arise, remember that His grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9), and His timing is always perfect.

Have you prayed about your goals for this year and asked God for guidance? How can you remain faithful and trust Him even if things don’t go as planned?

Pray

Lord, thank You for the opportunity to set new goals and pursue growth this year. I commit my plans to You, knowing that You have a purpose for my life that is greater than I can see. Help me to seek Your will in all I do, trust Your guidance, and remain faithful in every step. Strengthen me when I feel weak, and remind me that You are working all things for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬

Today, as the calendar turns to a new year, we are reminded of God’s incredible gift of new beginnings. The start of a new year offers us the opportunity to reflect on the past and look forward to what lies ahead. But more than resolutions or plans, it is the transformation we have in Christ that truly renews us.

When we give our lives to Christ, we are no longer bound by the mistakes, regrets, or failures of the past. We are made new. This doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges or stumble, but it assures us that God’s mercy is available every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). His grace is sufficient for every day of this new year.

As we step into this fresh season, let us pause and consider what God is calling us to leave behind. Are there habits, fears, or doubts that no longer align with the new creation He’s shaping in us? Likewise, what is He inviting us to embrace—a deeper relationship with Him, a renewed commitment to serve others, or simply trusting Him more fully?

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of a new year and the reminder that in You, all things are made new. Help me to leave behind anything that holds me back from living fully for You. Guide me in this year to grow in faith, love, and obedience. May my life reflect Your glory and bring hope to others. I trust You with my plans and my future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.